Initially, when looking at any topic or field the fundamental question pops up: Build it yourself or buy it from a supplier in a market. This question is the only real strategic question when it comes to procurement. Other aspects, such as procurement strategy, have a much to do with strategy as a bunch of … Continue reading Procurement: Make or Buy
Since everybody with any useful degree, such as myself with a simple business degree, can raise his or her opinion about some basic mechanics, I can do that too, with this simple comment on a report that was recently published. Railway maintenance is a topic that is very dear to me, hence I often read … Continue reading Railway Maintenance going predictive? – or why you should not ask consulting firms
A topic that has intrigued me throughout my life so far is the topic of procurement. Not because I think it is very attractive or sexy, but because it can enable or be a show-stopper to implement great ideas. Two weeks ago, I had, with a variety of customers, colleagues and friends in various settings … Continue reading Procurement: Overview
A thing that is bothering for over twenty years is that transport does not seem to attract significant investments and innovations in its sectors. While the IT industry still follows Moor's law (respectively an abrevation of it), transport does not seem to evolve and attract disrupting new players. The role of private players in transport … Continue reading Why Transportation does not attract relevant Startups
Last week, it became clear that not only Bombardier and Siemens but also Alstom and Siemens appear to be in merger discussions. This is why I would like to point out a bit the rationale behind these two proposals and explain why I think their plan is flawed. Reasons for consolidation First of all, it is … Continue reading Why rolling stock consolidation plans are flawed and should be abolished
A topic that I seem to come across more recently are strategy and management consulting firms creating great surveys and reports about the transport (or any other industry). These reports, often including fancy graphics and pointing out towards a generic recommendation offer great layout, great haptics and a wonderful simplified view of the world. In … Continue reading The Mechanics of Surveys and Consultants’ recommendations
While I think it is is truly great what the top five strategy consulting firms have brought to many industries in terms of structured analysis of the world that guide companies through a complex world, I have to say that I think there is no need for them anymore. When looking at how tech companies … Continue reading The Death of Strategy and Management Consulting
Many transport undertakers, agencies who are responsible for transport, consultants and suppliers are focusing nowadays on the customer experience in transportation transport. Articles such as the recent McKinsey article on travel distribution show exemplary what the philosophies and proposed strategies behind this narrative are. 1. Harness advanced analytics to understand the customer better. 2. Adjust … Continue reading Why the focus on customer experience is shortsighted
In the early days of the railway century after the emergence of the first larger rolling stock manufacturers, OEMs had strong ties to the mostly state owned railway operators and maintainers. The result was a strong operator focus. Even though it might have been not economically sound, it allowed the development of many expensive research … Continue reading Why the rolling stock OEMs’ model will fail
